date

28 July 1814 '.2 Logic Ch.3
28 July 1814 '.2

Logic

Ch.3 Aristotelian Præcognita

'.2 Aristotle's imperfections

4

1

Metaphysics sta[r]ted after Aristotle as a separate Discipline. Aristotle knew nothing of it only that it came out his head after physics. Confer other barbarous uncharacteristic appellations. Ex. gr. Legal - viz. Hanaper Pells - Green[?] wax[?] Petty Bag - Equity.

Ch.

'.2 Account given of Logic by the Aristotelians, its imperfections.

The account which[?] in this work of logic, is given of logic considered in regard to its nature and business, is before the reader: if the extent given to it in that account is not in a considerable part improper and irrelevant, the extent given to it by the Aristotelians will be seen to be incomplete.

Of the topics that presented themselves as appertaining to this art - appertaining to it in such sort that supposing any one omitted the account would pro tanto have been incompleat, the list is before the reader; if this list be a correct one, that given by the Aristotelians will be seen to be an incongruous one: on the one hand deficient, on the other hand redundant.

74
Similar Items
  • Title: [28 July 1814 23 July 1814 Logic]
    Description: 28 July 1814 23 July 1814

    Logic

    Note ( ) ?

    Ch.3. Aristotle's Præcognita

    '.3 Aristotle's Definition

    7

    1

    {Relation to all disciplines - 1. Happiness - the end. 2. Language, the instrument. Thence[?] speak of language, 1 o. considered in its application to all disciplines; 2. in d o. to each particular description.}

    {'. │ │ Aristotelian larger sense of the word Logic.}

    Happiness, composed as it is of pleasures and exemptions +[1] from pain - Happiness, including every thing that for its own sake is worth having - every thing that in itself is of any value - logic, to be of any value, must in some way or other be in every part conducive to happiness - and it is only in so far as it is so conducive that it is worth knowing - that an acquaintance with it is of any value.

    Logic, according to the definition given of it by Aristotle and his followers, +[2] is an art the effect or at least aim of which is to lead a man to the knowledge of all things intelligible. By Aristotle and the Greek philosophers in general, knowledge taken in the aggregate was an object, on which, [to] judge from the comparative degree of attention paid to it, and of that from the comparative quantity of discourse bestowed upon it, a greater store was set then upon happiness itself: (a) and as to its connection with happiness either it was regarded as something more valuable than happiness, or as something from the possession of which in whatever part or shape, an at least equal quantity of happiness would follow as of course.

    Knowledge, or something that with them passed for knowledge was the prerogative possession of these teachers and their disciples: for happiness,- at least in so far as it was composed of pleasures and exemptions - a capacity at least was shared with them by the vulgar herd: hence the transcendant and independent value ascribed be[sic] them to every thing that went by the name of knowledge, or afforded any thing like a prospect of leading to it.

    +[1] See Table of Springs of Action.

    +[2]  Search and quote Aristotle.

    (a) Note about the summum bonum - its nonsensicalness.

    78
  • Title: [24 July 1814 + '.2 Logic Ch]
    Description: 24 July 1814 + '.2

    Logic

    Ch.1 Logic, what

    '.2 Aristotle's imperfections

    4

    1

    '.2 Imperfections of the Aristotelian system on the subject of logic.

    Truth is never capable of being so clearly or strongly impressed when considered by itself as it is capable of being when illustrated by a view of any opposite error or errors, by which have been wont to occupy the place of it.

    The system of Aristotle is the system by and according to which whatsoever has been taught under the name of logic has now for upwards of two thousand years been taught: and though by far the greater part of that time it has been considered as being in a state of absolute perfection, little if at all capable of receiving improvement, and not in any degree susceptible of amendment: of amendment in any of its three modes, viz. omission, addition, and substitution.

    By whomsoever the present sketch is looked into and considered, if Aristotle's system of logic, in so far as it is delivered in the first Chapter of Bishop Saunderson's Compendium of that art and science, be looked into at the same time and compared with it, very different to a very considerable degree will the two schemes be seen to be, at the very first glance.

    In the following pages the principal differences will be {successively} held up to view.

    75
  • Title: [31 July 1814 + '.6 Logic Ch]
    Description: 31 July 1814 + '.6

    Logic

    Ch. │ │ Aristotle's Præcognita

    '.6.III. Functions. Uses.

    10

    1

    '.6.III Functions of Logic - Officia according to the Aristotelians.

    Of these no unapt description is given: it is by these functions, as by so many means that Logic labours towards the attainment of that end.

    According to this account these Officia - these functions seem to coincide with sufficient exactness, at least as far as they extend with the articles herein above brought to view by the name of Operations:- operations of the human mind or rather of the whole human frame mind and body together to all which, in some way or other logic is or is capable of being rendered subservient: all of them by some course or other directed to and leading to the universal end, to which by the guidance it is capable of affording to them, Logic itself may be and ought to be made to lead.

    Thus much for the general nature of these functions - these means - these operations. But [the] list, the particular list, any particular list - any thing approaching, or so much as pretending itself to be, or to lead to the finding or formation of any thing approaching a compleat list, where shall it be found? - not assuredly in the custody or power of these philosophers. Of these functions, some there are - what or so much as how many, they can not tell? Three however, but no more than three, are what they know of: viz. Definition, Division and ratiocination.

    Concerning these several functions of Logic or mental operations, how indistinct and inadequate were the notions of these logicians will be seen in another place.

    83